Grants and Awards
Grants for Clubs
4-H Club Grants
The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation provides direct support to enrolled 4-H clubs and Program Councils in Massachusetts in the form of club/council grants. These grants are available for special projects or needs that the group has that support the educational program and 4-H priorities. The Foundation does not award grants, however, for member awards, travel expenses, tee shirts, etc.
These grants will be awarded quarterly. Applications will be reviewed on March 31, June 30, October 31 and December 31.
Matching Grants
The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation offers a matching grant program to 4-H Clubs that organize a fundraising activity or event to raise money for their club or community. We will match the amount of money a club raises according to the number of club members. The amount raised will be matched as follows: clubs with 1-6 members will qualify for up to $100; 7-15 members up to $200; over 15 up to $300. To qualify, a club must apply for the grant at least three weeks prior to the event and then submit a request for funds within three weeks following the event. Each club is guaranteed only two matching grants for qualifying fundraisers. In the event of remaining funds at the end of the year, additional approved applications will be considered in the order of which they were received.
- Online Matching Grant Step 1 (submit this form three weeks prior to your event)
- Online Matching Grant Step 2 (submit this form within three weeks after your event)
Club Grant for New 4-H Clubs
We are pleased to add a new club grant option to the Foundation’s Grants Program. This specific grant is for $150 and available to new 4-H clubs to support start up needs such as meeting space cost, t-shirts, sweatshirts, program supplies, etc. Please remember that 4-H clubs cannot own animals, land, structures, or vehicles. Clubs must account for any 4-H Foundation grants and awards on the Annual 4-H Club and Financial Report.
4-H Publicity Incentive Program
4-H Clubs can receive $100 for each published, unique newspaper article that mentions their club name. There is a limit of three awards per club each year.
Clubs may also receive one publicity award for special publicized events, including Visual Presentation day, National Youth Science Day, and the Big E.
Legislative Awareness Awards
The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation offers a grant to any 4-H club that educates and informs their legislator about the 4-H program. It is important that our legislators understand that 4-H is alive and well and that it makes a positive difference in the lives of young people in our Commonwealth. If members of your club meet with or host a state or federal senator/representative, your club can receive $100 for a photo of your club with the legislator or $200 for a photo published in the newspaper.
Grants for Camperships
The Foundation offers a limited number of competitive camperships. To be eligible, a camper must either be from Ashland, Massachusetts or be enrolled in the Massachusetts 4-H program on or before November 15 of the previous year and must attend one of the five 4-H camps located in Massachusetts.
The 2023 Campership program has closed.
Grants for Scholarships
Kent Lage Leadership Award
Two scholarships are awarded annually to 4-H members or alumni who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities. The award was made possible by Charlesbank Capital Partners and is in memory of Kent A. Lage, a lifelong supporter of 4-H and President of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 2012-2016.
The applications period for the Award has now closed. See you in 2024!